By Mick Oseji, Asaba
Hours after the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issued a statement assuring Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora of adequate security during the festive period in the Southeast geopolitical zone, a yet-to-be- ascertained number of people have been feared killed when unknown gunmen launched a savage attack near the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State in renewed wave of terror on Sunday.
The Daily Crucible reports that the IPOB, had on Sunday assured the Igbo people, both at home and abroad of adequate security across the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria during the festive season, urging them to return in large numbers without fear.
The group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, gave this assurance in a statement, assuring that the separatists’ armed wing – Eastern Security Network (ESN), would provide robust and discreet security throughout the festive season.
Powerful added that security operatives affiliated with the ESN, alongside community volunteers, would also help maintain safety for Ndigbo during the Christmas season.
IPOB described the Southeast as one of the most peaceful regions in Nigeria, insisting that security conditions have improved despite what it termed “sponsored instability” in recent years.
However, that same Sunday, separate attacks by unknown gunmen rocked Nawfia and Lilu communities in Anambra, leaving behind tales of deaths, arsons and injuries.
In Lilu, the gunmen stormed the community in Anambra and launched a blistering attack on St. Andrews Anglican Church, shot the priest’s wife and set the residence ablaze.
The priest was lucky to escape but other worshipers sustained injuries during the gun attacks on the church.
The attackers also set two vehicles and a motorcycle ablaze, and left residents and indigenes of the chequered Lilu community in another round of fear and panic. The residents were barely returning home and settling down after fleeing their homes for over five years following the violent activities of members of a separatist group.
In Nawfia, the panic – stricken residents said the attackers opened fire on unsuspecting members of the community.
Some victims were fatally injured while others fled for safety when the armed hoodlums invaded Afor Market Junction and immediately opened fire, killing a lot of people, a scary development that left many wondering the reason behind the attack.
Some other residents who also spoke on the development said they were still in shock, with many calling for protection.
Sources said, “It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere this evening in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately.
“The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.”
A trending video footage of the incident showed members of the community running for safety in different directions while some lifeless bodies lay in a pool of blood on the ground.
The President General, Nawfia Progressive Union, Chief Daniel Okoye, has confirmed the attack on Sunday.
In a statement, Okoye said relevant security agencies have already been contacted, and investigations have begun to unravel those behind it.
Okoye said, “This evening, I received with deep shock the tragic news of an attack at the Afor Market Junction in Nawfia community.
“The incident resulted in multiple casualties, caused by unknown assailants who carried out this senseless act of violence.
“I strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and the attempt to disrupt the peace of our beloved community. I have already contacted the relevant security agencies, and investigations are underway to uncover those responsible.
“I appeal to all Ndi Nawfia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and continue to cooperate with security operatives as they work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure our safety.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. On behalf of the Nawfia Progressive Union, I extend our deepest sympathies and assure you that we are fully committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and maintaining peace in Nawfia.”
On Lilu community attack, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed it on Monday morning.
In a release to newsmen, the spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police Anambra State Police Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu has condemned the attack.
He described the attackers as armed criminals and said the incident resulted in one confirmed dead while serious injuries were inflicted on a few others.
He added that the Command had already intensified intelligence-driven operations, deployed the Joint Security Team, and strengthened surveillance across the area to ensure normalcy returns.
Ikenga said: “The church building was partially burnt, and other properties destroyed at a church premises in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area.
“The CP States that this heinous and abominable act, committed against innocent worshippers, is not only an assault on the community but a grave affront to our shared values of peace, sanctity of life, and freedom of worship.
“The Command extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the entire Lilu community and assures the public that the Police shall relentlessly hunt down the perpetrators of this crime.
“The CP notes that no community should be subjected to such brutality as the command will not allow criminals to instill fear or destabilize the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain.
“The Operatives are following every lead as no resource will be spared in ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
“The Command urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Joint Security team by providing useful information that can assist ongoing investigations for justice to be served.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ihiala and the entire state,” he said.
